Preferred contractor announced for New Swimming Pool Complex

Wed 21 Feb 2018

Councillor Baggy Shanker, lead Cabinet Member for the Moorways project

Last week, I was delighted when Derby City Council’s Planning Control Committee granted approval for the Labour administration’s ambitious plans for a new Swimming Pool Complex at Moorways. This facility will make Derby an even greater place to live work and visit.

Today, we are able to announce that Derbyshire construction firm Bowmer and Kirkland have been appointed as the council’s preferred build contractor, as we move towards the construction phase of this enormously exciting project. This means that detailed designs can now be drawn up, ensuring the new complex remains on course to open in 2020 as we pledged.

As one of the largest construction businesses in the country, Bowmer and Kirkland were appointed by the Council. The Derbyshire-based firm have a track-record of delivering major leisure projects both for the public and private sectors, including a number of other pool facilities.

They will now enter a period, where the detailed interior design will be determined, before a final decision is taken on the build contractor in the summer.

Last Autumn, the public consultation showed widespread support for our proposed mix of facilities at Moorways. Now that the project is gathering pace, I wanted to take the opportunity to highlight our ambitious and exciting plans.

The facility will include a ten-lane, 50 metre swimming pool; leisure water for families and youngsters, as well as a learner pool for those taking to the water for the first time or simply looking for a more private space to swim.

The main 50 metre pool will feature two booms and moveable floors for maximum flexibility, meaning the pool can be easily divided into three separate 25 metre pools to accommodate casual users, club swimmers and teaching as required. With seating for over 400 spectators and a timing room, it will also be capable of hosting regional competitions.

Meanwhile, the leisure pool will incorporate a play structure that includes slides, tipping buckets and water jets for families to enjoy together. What’s more, there’ll be both steam and sauna rooms on site, allowing visitors to relax and unwind.

Alongside swimming space, there’ll be all the additional features you would expect from a modern leisure facility. These include a cafe, gym, fitness studios soft play and multi-use areas.

I believe that the combination of a 50 metre pool suitable for all types of swimming, with fun and exciting leisure water will really set Moorways apart from many other venues in the region.

I’m confident that it will meet the needs and expectations of local residents and I’m very much looking forward to seeing our shared vision come to fruition.

As I’ve said many times before, this building will serve the city for a generation so I’m always willing to listen to those who want to share their views. As our plans move a step closer to reality, it’s more important than ever that we get the details right.